Small peptides and methods for blocking IGE mediated activation of an immune cell

Abstract

Methods for treating cutaneous inflammation, are described. Also described is a method for inhibiting the mucous release into airways of a patient, a method for blocking IgE activation of an immune cell, a method for stabilizing the cell membrane of an immune cell, thereby preventing their further involvement in the increased inflammatory response to an IgE antigen challenge, and a method for inhibiting the migration of T-cells. Such methods involve administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide having the formula f-Met-Leu-X, wherein X is selected from the group consisting of Tyr, Tyr-Phe, Phe-Phe and Phe-Tyr.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for blocking IgE activation of at least one type of immune cell selected from the group consisting of mast cells and basophils, the method comprising contacting said type of immune cell with an IgE activation blocking effective amount of a peptide or salt thereof, said peptide having the formula f-Met-Leu-X where X is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Tyr, Tyr-Phe (SEQ ID NO: 1), Phe-Phe (SEQ ID NO: 2) and Phe-Tyr (SEQ ID NO: 3). 
     
     
       2. A method for regulating IgE production in a human, the method comprising administering to said human an IgE production inhibiting effective amount of a peptide or salt thereof, said peptide having the formula f-Met-Leu-X where X is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Tyr, Tyr-Phe (SEQ ID NO: 1), Phe-Phe (SEQ ID NO: 2) and Phe-Tyr (SEQ ID NO: 3).